Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Grand Traverse US 91129
- Type: Propeller Steamer
- Year Built: 1878
- Builder: Unknown
- Dimensions: 181 ft (55.2 m); Beam: 40 ft (12.2 m); Depth of hold: 16 ft (4.9 m)
- Registered Tonnage:
- Depth at Wreck Site: 9.1 m / 30 ft
- Location: Near Colchester Reef, Lake Erie
- Coordinates: Latitude 41° 56.903′ N, Longitude 82° 53.678′ W
- Official Number: US 91129
- Original Owners: Multiple owners during operational lifespan
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: Propeller Steamer
Description
The Grand Traverse was a propeller steamer launched in 1878, primarily used for freight transportation on Lake Erie. It was chartered by the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railway Co., operating routes that included Toledo, Ohio, to Buffalo, New York.
History
The Grand Traverse experienced multiple ownership changes throughout its operational history. It was launched in 1878 and played a significant role in the regional shipping industry. However, it faced numerous operational challenges, including groundings, before its sinking in 1896 near Colchester Reef under unknown circumstances.
Significant Incidents
- Launched (1878): The Grand Traverse began its service with significant roles in the regional shipping industry.
- Incidents: Experienced multiple groundings and operational challenges across the Great Lakes.
- Sinking (1896): Sank near Colchester Reef, Lake Erie, under unknown circumstances, becoming a navigational hazard.
- Salvage Operations (1897): Acquired by the Pfohl Brothers of Buffalo, who salvaged all removable machinery and items.
- Dynamited: The wreck was partially demolished to address concerns over navigation safety.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the Grand Traverse was partially salvaged, with machinery removed by the Pfohl Brothers. It was dynamited to mitigate navigation hazards, but concerns about its location persisted, leading to further investigations and proposals for salvage.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreck is badly broken up on a silty bottom, with much of its machinery salvaged. Visibility at the site is typically poor, but there are rumors that barrels of apples may still be aboard.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”grand-traverse-us-91129″ title=”References & Links” show_ref_button=”yes”]
The Grand Traverse remains a significant chapter in Lake Erie’s maritime history, illustrating the risks and rewards of shipping during a transformative period in Great Lakes navigation. Divers are encouraged to document the site responsibly, adhering to the principle of ‘leave only bubbles, take only memories.’
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
General Information
- Type: Propeller Steamer
- Length: 181 feet (55.2 meters)
- Beam: 40 feet (12.2 meters)
- Depth: 16 feet (4.9 meters)
- Construction Year: 1878
- Construction Location: Unknown
- Registry: Enrolled at Port Huron, Michigan
- LORAN Coordinates: 43795.9 / 56975.1
- Current Coordinates: Latitude 41° 56.903′ N, Longitude 82° 53.678′ W
- Resting Depth: Approximately 30 feet (9.1 meters)
Operational History
Primary Roles:
- Freight transportation on Lake Erie
- Chartered by the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railway Co.
- Routes included Toledo, Ohio, to Buffalo, New York.
Ownership Changes: The steamer passed through multiple owners during its operational lifespan.
Key Events
- Launched (1878): The GRAND TRAVERSE began its service with significant roles in the regional shipping industry.
- Incidents: Experienced multiple groundings and operational challenges across the Great Lakes.
- Sinking (1896): Sank near Colchester Reef, Lake Erie, under unknown circumstances. The wreck became a navigational hazard.
- Salvage Operations (1897): Acquired by the Pfohl Brothers of Buffalo, who salvaged all removable machinery and items.
- Dynamited: The wreck was partially demolished to address concerns over navigation safety.
Wreck Details
- The wreck’s proximity to shipping lanes raised concerns for captains navigating near Colchester Reef.
- Reports suggest that the wreck may have shifted after being struck by passing vessels, adding to navigation risks.
Salvage Proposals:
- The Lackawanna Transportation Co. announced plans to raise the wreck.
- Sealed bids for salvage rights were invited until November 2, with a formal bid opening in Buffalo.
Channel and Obstruction Management:
- Canadian government dredging efforts in nearby Amherstburg removed large boulders and smoothed channel obstructions.
- Additional maintenance was undertaken at Ballard’s Reef to prevent future incidents.
Theories on Collision Site
Capt. Thomas Jones of the IROQUOIS posited that the actual obstruction lay at Little’s Point, about two miles above Colchester Reef Light. This theory suggests the Grand Traverse may no longer pose a navigational threat in its original location.
Legacy
The Grand Traverse highlights the challenges of maintaining navigable waterways in the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. From its role as a workhorse of commerce to its eventual demise and subsequent salvage efforts, the steamer’s story is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of maritime operations of the era.
References & Links
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships
The Grand Traverse remains a significant chapter in the annals of Lake Erie’s maritime history, illustrating the risks and rewards of shipping during a transformative period in Great Lakes navigation.
The wreck is badly broken up on a silty bottom. Her engine and much of her machinery were salvaged. Good visibility on this wreck is very unusual. However rumor has it that the barrels of apples are still aboard her! grand-traverse-us-91129 1896-03-14 07:48:00